Words from the road

Project Pyrénées

A postcard, before the postcards.

The Road Bike Is Getting Jealous

Off road is the new road….

Building Quietly

There’s a version of building something that looks like this: announcement posts, waitlists with 10,000 signups, a podcast appearance before you’ve shipped a single thing. The foun

The Virus That Keeps Coming Back (And What It Gave Me This Time)

The Virus That Keeps Coming Back (And What It Gave Me This Time)

The comments under the Sanremo crash tell you everything.

On cycling's persistent, unresolved problem with women in the sport

Mallorca is fine. That's the problem

An unpopular opinion on cycling's most comfortable habit.

What Stage 5 of Volta La Marina Taught Me About My Training

What Stage 5 of Volta La Marina Taught Me About My Training

The road to Valencia doesn’t ask. The road back demands.

200km. Perfect conditions. A 90-minute head start to chase down. And a coach-prescribed interval session waiting on the way home.

I wasn't writing. The kilometres were.

A comeback letter. Six weeks, a lot of road, and something to say.

Off the Front: Why Breaking Away Hurts So Much

Hometown Races Hit Different

Parcent races feel different. They are not where I grew up, but they are where I live now – the roads I train on, the climbs I sneak into weekday rides, the corners I know by feel

A Quiet Month That Was Anything But

It’s been a quiet month from me, at least from the outside. The kind of quiet that people notice — the lack of posts, fewer ride photos, the odd message asking if I’ve fallen off t

Juggling Training With a Full-time job: 7:30am club

Most training advice quietly assumes that your day is built around the ride. Mine isn’t anymore. I am learning how to be a full‑time human who still trains like a cyclist, not a cy

The Psychology of a Late Bid: What Going Pro at 36 Teaches You About Grit and Identity

Turning pro at 36 is not really about age, it is about deciding what kind of person you want to be when the odds are no longer stacked in your favour. It forces you to renegotiate

Old but gold: Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and a happy new year from us to you.

I’m joining stride.is in January

It was a no brainer, watch out trainingpeaks. I’m joining Stride as Head of Marketing and Growth, and it feels a bit like rolling onto a new road you’ve secretly been training for

Inside the Group Ride: Unspoken Hierarchies and the Politics of Pacing

There is a pattern to every group ride. It begins long before the first pedal stroke, in a subtle choreography of glances, greetings, and positioning that sets the tone for what is

Small Brand, Big Dream: How Building a Cycling Brand Mirrors Training for a Race.

Launching a cycling brand feels a lot like lining up for your first real race. There’s that same uneasy buzz, equal parts excitement and nausea, as you pin your number on, knowing

It’s Okay To Be Ill (Really)

Flu an setbacks happen, and thats all good.

It’s All Just Noise

We scroll, we post, we refresh. It’s the same cycle every day, a stream of opinions, updates, reels, and numbers that keep moving whether we look or not. In the middle of it, we’re

Big Steps for a Small Brand

There’s a strange, quiet pride in seeing something you’ve built take up real space in the world. Not an online shop or social feed, but an actual store, a place where people walk

From License in Hand to Starting Line: My Next Chapter in Chasing Pro at 36

Ever feel like life hands you a plot twist just when you thought you were scripting the ending? A few weeks back, I was musing about the wild idea of dipping a toe into pro cycling

Campagnolo: Made in Italy, Blinded by Tradition.

Campagnolo’s layoffs are not just a sad headline; they are the predictable hangover from a decade of strategic denial, niche obsession, and misplaced faith in the magic of “Made in

How Cycling Isn’t Just Carbon Bikes and Lycra

Somewhere between the shimmering peloton photos and the wind-tunnel-tested carbon frames, we’ve let a small but crucial truth about cycling slip away: most people on bikes aren’t r

Trapped by Spam: How WhatsApp Became the App I Want to Leave

I’m writing this fully aware that I’m not going to leave it, because I have family on the other side of the world without iPhones, and there’s a group chat where I still want to share and make plans.

Ownership Changed, But Anger Remains: The NSN Cycling Team Dilemma

A wave of ownership change swept through the Israel-Premier Tech (IPT) cycling team this season, but judging by the reactions across social media, you’d never know it. The commenta

When did we become gatekeepers of our own sport

Lets roll it back to 2018, It was just another Saturday group ride in a club I found out wasn’t for me, it didn’t look that way until I rolled into the parking lot wearing my favou

Why Vall de Ebo Is the Sa Calobra of Alicante With a Twist

Cyclists love a climb with a story. And few tales in European cycling lore have more drama than Mallorca’s Sa Calobra, the legendary road you must descend before you even earn the

If Bike Shops Keep Treating Customers Like Customers, They’ll Never Build a Community

Some Wednesday night thoughts popped in last night and I could help but think about what its like in bike shops right now.

How I’m Playing Path to the Thought of Trying to Go Pro at 36

Everything starts with a thought, a wild dream, something you say to yourself every now and then.

Premier Tech Says Goodbye to Israel–Premier Tech: What’s Next for the Team?

When Pas Normal Studios Shows Up on Shein

Knock off or not, it doesn't help brand image.

One Bike or Two? Why Cyclists Overcomplicate the Seasons

I was once a victim of this.

How I Didn’t Think I’d Ride 10,000 Kilometres This Year

At the start of this year, no number felt as distant as 10,000km. I was floored by an Epstein Barr virus diagnosis a soul-sapping setback that handed me weeks of fatigue and forced

When Our Minds Get in the Way: How us Cyclists Psych ourselves Out

There’s a villain that shows up before almost every ride. It doesn’t wear a jersey, carry a pump, or fix a flat. It lives quietly in your head, planting small seeds of doubt and bu

eMTBs Aren’t Ruining Mountain Biking — They’re Expanding It

Bike Radar have lost the plot on this one and at some point you have to wonder, is cycling journalism hurting our sport more than helping it at times?

Alison Jackson has just made one of the most unexpected transfers in women’s pro cycling

Discounts

Welcome to our exclusive discounts page where you can save on premium sports nutrition, cycling kits from Label Collective and more. As a valued paid subscriber, you gain access to

Videos

Explore our cycling videos featuring ride reports, bike reviews, training tips, and gear demos. Watch real-world footage from epic climbs, group rides, and endurance races. Learn c

The Real Joy of Riding With Friends

Cycling, friendship, and memories on the road, it’s what cycling is all about right?

Silca’s new TPU tubes, priced at €41.95, are turning heads

Silca’s new TPU tubes, priced at €41.95, are turning heads and not all for good reasons. While Silca touts improved design, longevity, and a handful of marginal watt savings, that

We’re Back on Substack

It feels good to be back.

The Myth of the Magic Jersey

Can a Maap jersey really make you a minute faster?

How Local Cycling Clubs Are Changing the Sport

Local cycling clubs remain the foundation of the sport, creating connection, mentorship, and purpose for riders of every level. Discover how these communities continue to shape cycling’s future.

What We Choose to Carry

A reflection on balance, responsibility, and the choices that shape sustainable cycling — from the bikes we ride to the clothes we wear.

Getting Ready for a New Block of Training

After a short recovery phase, it’s time to start a heavier training block focused on steady-state efforts and long endurance rides. I’m rebuilding structure, balancing load and recovery, and refining fuelling with real food and Nduranz nutrition to pu

I Might Delete Strava - Here’s Why

Strava shaped how I tracked rides, chased PRs, and connected with other cyclists. But now with the Garmin Lawsuit and how the platform now feels more like social media than sport.

Why Running & Cycling Brands Should Team Up

Running and cycling already share the same community spirit. Many of us do both — yet brands still treat them as separate worlds. It’s time to change that.

Preparing for 211 km: Lessons in Nutrition, Fuel, and Joy

Preparing for a 215 km ride after more than a year off the bike reminded me that the difference between finishing strong and feeling empty lies in one simple truth, how well we fuel.

How to Use Your iPhone 17 Pro (or any) as a Photographer: Cycling & Sports Edition

The iPhone 17 Pro can capture more than just clear snapshots. With the right techniques, you can show speed, motion, and energy on the bike. This guide shares simple steps, from panning shots to editing on Lightroom Mobile, to help your cycling photos sta

Cycling Trips Essentials: Road Bike Edition for Smart Travelers

From packing your road bike to renting one abroad, this guide covers all the cycling trips essentials you need. Discover must-have gear, safety tips, nutrition, and pro travel advice to make your next road cycling adventure smooth, safe, and unforgettable

Forget Mallorca: 6 Incredible Cycling Destinations You Need to Ride Next

Mallorca is a classic, but it’s starting to feel played out. From the wild Hautes-Pyrénées to Slovenia’s Julian Alps, here are six cycling destinations that bring new roads, fresh scenery, and rides that rival—or even beat—Mallorca.

The Double-Edged Sword of Dominance in Sport

Sport thrives on drama and uncertainty that’s what keeps us watching. But when one rider or athlete becomes too dominant, the story changes.

Riding Through Sierra Nevada: A Journey Above the Clouds

Riding here is magical, the 20km + descents or the 20km + climbs, each hold there own space for an amazing trip.

Pico Veleta: How not to bonk on a 40 km climb

Climbing Pico Veleta isn’t about speed or Strava segments it’s about managing yourself and your nutrition on Europe’s longest continuous climb. Here’s how a Huesitos bar saved my ride.

RideNow TPU Tubes Review: Light, Fast, but Fragile

RideNow TPU tubes promise featherweight performance and smooth rolling, and they deliver — but at a cost. After three punctures in three weeks, we found them fast but fragile. Great for race day, less so for daily use. Here’s our full review and verdi

La Vuelta Stage 21 Cancelled: A Shocking End to the Race

Stage 21 of La Vuelta a España has been cancelled due to protests in Madrid, along with the podium ceremony. What should have been a celebratory final day ended in shock, leaving fans and riders without closure.

The Joy of Riding Z1: Going Slow, Thinking Happy

Zone 1 cycling is more than just recovery. Riding slow helps repair the body, calms the mind, and builds lasting endurance. Sometimes the most important training isn’t about watts or speed, but about slowing down and finding joy in the ride.

Creative: Horses in the Clouds

Getting Ready for Autumn Cycling

Autumn cycling is all about preparation. From layering smart to protecting your hands and feet, adjusting to slippery roads, and riding with lights, here’s how to embrace the season and enjoy some of the most atmospheric rides of the year.

Garmin Edge 550 & 850: What to Expect from Garmin’s Brightest New Cycling Computers

Garmin has released the Edge 550 and 850, bringing brighter screens, faster navigation, and updated training tools. The 550 keeps button control, while the 850 adds a responsive touchscreen. Both deliver long battery life and refined ClimbPro features for

Sunrimoon Leo Helmet Review: Comfort, Style, and Performance in One

We tested the Sunrimoon Leo helmet and loved it. The lavender colour is striking, the fit and comfort are excellent, and the premium interior padding sets it apart from bigger-name rivals. A lightweight helmet that feels secure, stylish, and genuinely imp

What to Take on a Bike Ride: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Knowing what to bring on a bike ride can make the difference between a great day and a long walk home. This guide breaks down the must-haves for beginners—from repair kits to snacks and layers.

Is B Corp Really Driving Change in Cycling or Just Another Sticker on the Frame?

B Corp is growing in the cycling industry, but does the label really matter? Some brands lead with certification, while others quietly make change without it. Maybe the real question is: do actions speak louder than labels?

Is Girona Losing Its Throne as Cycling’s Hotspot?

Girona has become almost mythical in cycling coffee rides, hidden climbs, pro riders everywhere. But as more people arrive, the city feels different. Some say it’s losing its magic, others argue it’s evolving. Maybe the truth lies somewhere in between

What I Learned from Training at High Cadence

I started training at high cadence to protect my knees, but it turned into something bigger. It changed how I ride, improved efficiency, and taught me the balance between high and low cadence.

The Roads We Ride

We often think of roads as a way to get somewhere, the stage where climbs, descents, and numbers play out. But look closer and they tell their own story. The bends, the surface, the way light falls across them they hold memory. Perhaps the road isn’t ju

Shimano CUES: Redefining Value and Accessibility in Cycling Drivetrains

Shimano’s CUES groupset is more than “entry-level.” We tested it in the Pyrenees and found a drivetrain that’s smooth, durable, and surprisingly refined. Designed for e-bikes and everyday riders alike, CUES makes performance cycling more accessibl

Pelotan Sunscreen: A Deep Dive After a Week in the Pyrenees

We took Pelotan on a week of long, hot days riding in the Pyrenees, comparing it directly to Ecran Sports sunscreen. This is a no-fluff, real-rider review focused on performance, texture, and protection.

Do Cyclists Really Want Dedicated Bike Rooms at Hotels?

Hotels often advertise dedicated bike rooms as a cyclist-friendly feature. But here’s the reality: most riders don’t want to leave their pride and joy in a communal storage space.

Have Bike GPS Computers Hit Their Peak? Riding with the Garmin 530 in 2025

In 2025, the Garmin Edge 530 still stands strong as a reliable cycling computer. But with endless data fields already available, have bike GPS devices quietly reached their peak in what riders actually need on the screen?

Kudoro.cc - Your Ride, Your Story, All in One Image

Kudoro is a new bread of cycling overlay. One that not only pulls your Strava data, but allows your to enrich your images with every stat you could think of.

What Two Weeks At Altitude Did for My Cycling Performance

Two weeks riding high in the Pyrenees gave me a mini altitude camp, boosting FTP, VO₂ max, and post-ride energy back at sea level. Here’s what happened, and why altitude works even for non-pro cyclists.

Sox Footwear in the Pyrenees – When Small Details Make the Biggest Difference

If there’s one thing the Pyrenees are good at, it’s testing your limits. Every day throws something different at you, a never-ending climb into the clouds we did atleast 6 of them.

DrFranklin Athletic Thunder Photochromic Sunglasses — One Pair, Every Pyrenean Ride

We put the DrFranklin Athletic Thunder photochromic sunglasses to the test on iconic Pyrenean climbs. The lenses adapted instantly to changing light, the fit stayed snug through sweat and altitude, and the clarity stayed sharp from summit to descent.

Finding Balance, Not Restrictions: How The FoodCoach App Changed My Approach to Fuelling

Using The FoodCoach App, I learned I was under-fuelling my rides. Now I balance carbs, protein, fats, and fibre with recipes matched to my training, helping me drop weight, boost energy, and ride stronger without giving up the foods I love.

226ERS High Fructose Gel Review: Cola & Strawberry Flavours on the Road

We’ve used a stack of energy gels over the years—some too thick, others bone-dry, most leaving our stomachs unhappy. So when we tried the 226ERS High‑Fructose Gel in Cola and Straw

From Lake to Summit and Back Again: Banyoles to Mare de Déu del Mont via Besalú

We set off from Banyoles early. The lake was still half in shadow, the surface glassy and quiet. One of those mornings where everything feels a little suspended. Cool air, barely a

GPS Tracking to be Used at 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Push for Safer Racing

When the world’s best line up in Kigali this September for the UCI Road World Championships, every rider will be carrying a small but significant piece of tech: a GPS tracker.

FFWD RAW 55 Review: Fast, Wide, and Built for Big Days

We tested the FFWD RAW 55 wheels over 12 months across real roads in Girona, Mallorca, and Belgium. Built for modern wide tyres and fast endurance riding, these wheels deliver stability, speed, and comfort though they’re not built for weight weenies.

Beginner’s Cycling Tips: 25 Essential Pieces of Advice

Explore 25 key cycling tips that every beginner should know. From choosing the right kit and maintaining your bike to nutrition and safety, these tips will help you build confidence and get the most out of your rides.

Uvex Surge Review: A Versatile Helmet for Ventilation and Aero

The Uvex Surge combines excellent ventilation with a removable aero shell for all season comfort. Its aero performance is weaker than top rivals.

The Hardest Cycling Climb in Austria: Großglockner

Großglockner tested us like few climbs ever have. Steep gradients, high altitude, and endless switchbacks pushed us to the edge, but the views, the descent, and the sense of achievement made it unforgettable.

Monte Grappa: The Leg Snapper Lives Up to Its Name

Monte Grappa pushed us to our limit. With brutal gradients, 1,500 metres of climbing, and endless switchbacks, this iconic Italian ascent gave us everything and took just as much.

Climbing San Boldo and Riding the Prosecco Hills

Riding San Boldo Pass and through the rolling Prosecco hills gave us a mix of history, challenge, and beauty. From wartime tunnels to quiet vineyard roads, it was a ride we won’t forget.

Pinarello F7 Review: Fast, Sleek, and Built to Climb

We took the Pinarello F7 deep into the Italian Alps to see what it’s really made of. From steep switchbacks to fast descents, this bike delivered on every front. Here's how it performed on real roads, not just the spec sheet.

Conquering Sa Calobra on the Pinarello F7 in Parietti Kit

Sa Calobra is one of Europe’s most iconic climbs. But it's more than just 26 hairpins and a perfect ribbon of tarmac. We rode it in peak summer heat, hit the descent at sunrise, and learned why this road draws cyclists back again and again. Here’s the

Why Sleep Is Your Secret Weapon for Better Cycling

Sleep isn’t just downtime it’s when your body restores energy, repairs muscles, and sharpens your mind. Skipping sleep can make rides feel harder and slower, even if your training is on point. Here’s why sleep should be part of your cycling routine.

Chasing Cooler Roads: Our Ride Up the Tourmalet

We escaped the heat for a last minute trip to the Tourmalet. After a long drive and a restless night camping, we took on the challenging climb, battled altitude and hairpins, and enjoyed breathtaking views. A day of tough riding, rewarding descent, and un

Hydration for Cyclists: How Much, What, and When

Hydration affects your performance on the bike more than you think. Learn how much to drink, what to drink, and when for short spins, long rides, and cold days.

Stage 9: New Adventures Ahead

2023 races, drunk women solving crime and a cool bit of bike packing kit.

Stage 8: Grand Tour Comeback

Im back, I did some things and moved countries. let's read all about it.

Stage 7: Cobbles & Productivity 🚴🏻‍♂️🧠

The cobbled stones of Roubaix, the run up series and Mitch dockers last race.

Stage 6: Switchbacks & Switchoffs🚴🏻‍♂️🧠

mental health stories are back, transfer news and a cool video.

Stage 5: Community and Mental Health 🚴🏻‍♂️🧠

Mental first aid kits, Productive obsession & the power of the cycling community

Stage 4: Eurobike, Selfcare and Focus 🚴🏻‍♂️🧠

The journey back from hell, Eurobike & awareness.

Stage 3: Watts of Community & Coping 🚴🏻‍♂️🧠

Rain, the power of community, anxiety & mental health stories

Stage 2: individual pursuit 🚴🏻‍♂️🧠

Breaking records, Mental Health Stories and some self care.

Stage 1: The Prologue 🚴🏻‍♂️🧠

The simple love of riding a bicycle and overthinking.

Cycling Content & Mental Health

Weekly Digest of curated cycling and mental health content.